[blparent] cell phones for kids

[peggy]

Depends on how responsible the boys are.  My kids started out with a cheap 
pay as you go phone and then graduated to more sophisticated phones as they 
got older and they showed they could take care of them.  And yes they had 
cell phones at a younger age because we walked a lot, or they walked a lot, 
and I wanted to be able to call them and find out for sure where they were. 
Blindness related, sure, but a necessity for my piece of mind and my kid's 
safety, I think so.  I think you said your boys were 8 and 6 and I think my 
son was around 8 when he got his first cell phone because that was when he 
didn't want me to walk him to school anymore or when he wanted to walk over 
to this friend's house down the block ... And instead of trying to learn 
where everyone's house was ... And to make sure he got to school alright ... 
I bought the cell phones.  He's now almost 13 and getting an iphone for 
Christmas.  Some parents are going to tell you no and others yes but it's 
what's best for your family, your kid's safety and your piece of mind.



-----Original Message----- 
From: Jennifer Jackson
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 2:46 AM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Subject: [blparent] cell phones for kids

I am considering getting some cell phones for my two younger kids. Really
more as a communication tool for me. I started out looking at walkie
talkies, but that quickly moved into actual two way radios with the
durability and distance issues figured in. I am still considering both
options and wanted to get some other thoughts on the matter.

The walkie talkie solution  is more expensive up front, but will have
minimal ongoing expenses other than electricity to recharge the batteries.
They would have enough range for Henry to play in the neighborhood and be
called home even if he goes in someone's house. I think they walkie talkies
might also be more difficult to use because they have 22 channels and some
other controls. Once set up though you can talk at the push of a button. I
also have not heard anything about research showing that radio waves cause
brain cancer like I have with cell phone transmissions. I also think my kids
would get a kick out of the wrist watch versions of these. There are also
head set ones that I think kids would enjoy, but they could also be
misplaced more easily.



Cell phones. In principle I am opposed to cell phones for kids. As a blind
parent though, I see the benefit to being able to call my child and confirm
he is just up the street. Am I using my blindness to justify this? I am
thinking of a $20 track phone and then just buying minutes as we go. Of
course this could quickly add up even if we stick to texting.



I am really open to other thoughts and opinions on this subject. I know some
of this could be accomplished with an electronic locater, but those do not
have much range for my older kids. I am not thinking of these as Christmas
gifts, just my families various communication issues in the upcoming year.
It just occurs to me that maybe what I want is one of this GPS locater wrist
bands. Something like they use for the house arrest kids. :-)



J

Jennifer

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*I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it.*